- Time of past OR future Camino
- ?
For 2024 Pilgrims: €50,- donation = 1 year with no ads on the forum + 90% off any 2024 Guide. More here. (Discount code sent to you by Private Message after your donation) |
---|
I cannot speak for iphone apps, but there are now plenty of Android GPS apps where the mapping can be downloaded in advance and they then don't rely on a persistent connection to the internet over a data connection.The main difference between GPS and iphone apps
-GPS relies on maps you have loaded onto the GPS. It uses GPS to provide grid locations anywhere in the world and plots them on your maps.
-iphone apps rely on wifi connectivity to show a google map for your area. If you didn't set up the map the last time you were near wifi ... then you don't have a map. The iphone uses GPS (or glonass) to provide grid coordinates anywhere in the world. The grid coordinates are not much use without a map.
The disadvantages are in areas like battery life
Just out of information: There are GPS apps that work offline, without using wifi connectivity or any other data... Just like any other GPS does.
You can put your iphone inside a cheap water proof cover ( costs like 5 bucks) and off you go!
Now... for the battery life issue.... Unless you want to carry extra juice with you, you might have a problem.
5. If you have 600 meg free space you have the option of just download the whole offline map of Spain so you can skip point 4.
The only problem is battery life when the smartphone uses GPS continually.
They are very helpful if you make a mistake and get off the trail; you can easily backtrack.Unless you have some compelling need to keep a precise record of your route why would you need continuous gps updates?
Backtracking is the last thing that I would want to do. I would rather use a GPS to find a way forward to rejoin the trail. If the GPS has reasonable mapping loaded and you can set a final or intermediate destination, I have found I have been able to identify alternatives that don't require backtracking in all but a few cases.They are very helpful if you make a mistake and get off the trail; you can easily backtrack.
Ah, but in those few cases it sure is nice to know where you went wrong and how to get back on track. It's also nice to be able to compare the distance of a "solution" to the distance of backtracking.I have found I have been able to identify alternatives that don't require backtracking in all but a few cases.
Hello All: As someone that is technologically challenged, I have always relied on guidebooks, maps, signs, etc. to get me where I am going. However, I am becoming more and more intrigued by some of the more modern technologies available. However, as I read about them, I am getting more confused. On the one hand there are GPS devices (i.e. Garmin) that cost $300-$400 or more. On the other hand there are iPhone apps like Maps.me that are free (I think). What is the difference? They sound the same to me. What I would be looking for is something that supports a GPX or KML file that would allow me to see the route I should be following vs where I actually am at any point in time. Thanks in advance for any help!
Hola
I always walk with a GPS continuously monitoring my position. I don't use a dedicated GPS because it would represent an extra weight to carry.
As far as the battery life is concerned I carry a lightweight power bank with, and so this problem is solved too. I had to use the power bank only at the end of a very long day. Normally I don't have to use it.
The app I use is Oruxmap (Android only) which is an excellent free product. One of the interesting features is that a map of the entire Spain can be downloaded (800 MB circa) through the app by "freizeikarte-osm.de".
This map has all major Caminos on it (inc Sureste, Levante, Mozarabe, Madrid, etc) so downloading somebody else route in order to follow it, is no longer required. I just follow the Camino on the map.
In countless occasions the GPS was extremely useful so I could not think to walk without it in particular alone and on the most solitary caminos.
The image I uploaded shows an example of the map I'm talking about. Here is Sahagun with the Camino Frances, Camino Francese ruta alternativa and Camino madrileno. No need to download from Wikiloc any more.
Buen Camino.
I cannot speak for iphone apps, but there are now plenty of Android GPS apps where the mapping can be downloaded in advance and they then don't rely on a persistent connection to the internet over a data connection.
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?